Rivers & Rails Marathon Weekend features a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and Veterans Challenge 5K, welcoming runners of all abilities while showcasing the natural beauty, rich history, and unique character of Brunswick, Maryland, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Bolivar, West Virginia. More than a traditional race, Rivers & Rails blends endurance, exploration, Civil War history, and railroad heritage into one unforgettable experience.

The Marathon takes runners on a journey through three historic communities, crossing the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers twice each while traversing the scenic C&O Canal Towpath along the Potomac River, the streets of Harpers Ferry, historic Bolivar, and Bolivar Heights before returning to Brunswick.

The Half Marathon follows the same spectacular opening miles, crossing the Potomac River twice before returning to Brunswick. Offering a memorable destination half marathon with iconic views and historic surroundings, it does not include the Harpers Ferry and Bolivar sections.

The Veterans Challenge 5K remains entirely within the city of Brunswick. This challenging, hilly course honors those who have served as it winds through historic neighborhoods and passes a series of veterans memorials. The course does not use the C&O Canal Towpath and starts and finishes on E. Potomac Street adjacent to Square Corner Park. 

The marathon and half marathon are USATF-certified courses beginning near the entrance to the C&O Canal Towpath in Brunswick (between the MARC train parking lot and the Potomac River). No course crosses railroad tracks. However, trains are a part of everyday life in Brunswick and may affect travel to and from the event, so please plan accordingly.

Packet Pickup for all three races will be held at Smoketown Brewing (223 W. Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD) on Friday, November 13, during the late afternoon and evening (exact hours to be announced).

All registered runners will receive a commemorative race shirt, and every finisher will earn a custom finisher medal. The races will be professionally timed using the latest technology. 

There will be sufficient aid stations on all courses, with final locations to be announced closer to race day. Restrooms will be available at the start/finish area and at select locations along the courses (locations to be announced).

Marathon course map:   https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6730688667 (Still being certified, better map coming soon)

Half marathon course map: Same as the full, turnaround will be before the second bridge (precise map coming soon).

Veterans 5k course map: